ALAN Shearer will lead Newcastle into action at the Reebok today less than 72 hours after hitting a European double in Marseilles.

But his thoughts will still be across the English Channel as he targets what could be a Champions League swansong for himself and manager Bobby Robson next year.

Shearer, scorer of 24 goals this season, has fired the Magpies into hot contention for a place in the competition and is desperate for a victory over Bolton to keep them on course.

Liverpool are also in line for a Champions League place next year and Shearer wants three points today to try to avoid a nerve-wrecking Euro decider with Gerard Houllier's boys in a possible winner-takes-all last game of the season at Anfield.

The two clubs are neck-and-neck for the fourth place in the table that carries the big prize of following Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United into the battle for the big European money.

Close encounter

Newcastle are desperate to get back in after failing to reach the group stages this year and dropping into the UEFA Cup.

The race with Liverpool is so close that there is even the chance they will need a play-off to decide who takes the fourth Champions League place.

Newcastle, however, have suffered on their Premiership travels this season with only two away wins so Shearer will be desperate to cash in on Bolton's disappointing recent run.

He admitted: "Everyone has been saying - including ourselves - that it's going to be a two-horse race with Liverpool for the Champions League. I think it will. It could go right down to that last game of the season at Anfield.

"So I won't be happy going there with anything less than a four-point lead over them!"

Shearer has been an inspirational captain but next season could be his last in tandem with Sir Bobby Robson as manager.

He signed a one-year extension to his contract this week that takes him through to the end of 2005 when he will be 73.

Robson is desperate to be at the helm when Newcastle end their long wait for a major trophy.